Jason David Frankthe actor who originated the role of Tommy Oliver aka the Green Ranger in the “Power Rangersfranchise, who died Nov. 19 in Texas. He was 49 years old.
Frank’s death was confirmed at Associated press by his manager, Justine Hunt. No further details of the actor’s death could be confirmed, but she asked for “the privacy of his family and friends during this horrific time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being.” .
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” premiered in 1993 on Fox Kids, airing for three years to young audiences enthused by its dynamic cast of kung-fu savvy vigilantes. The “Power Rangers” franchise has continued through multiple iterations and adaptations over the ensuing years, with Frank often returning to his role on the show, becoming a beloved figure among the fan base.
Frank’s character was originally introduced as an antagonist in the series – placed under the spell of Power Rangers nemesis Rita Repulsa, the Green Ranger is a deadly adversary to the hero team. Originally slated for a limited appearance, Frank eventually became a series regular due to the character’s popularity among fans. After the Green Ranger is freed from Rita’s mind manipulation, he is transformed into the White Ranger – a role Frank filled for the next two seasons.
” I can not believe it…. RIP Jason David Frank. “, Walter Jones, one of Frank’s co-stars in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”, wrote on Instagram. “My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.
Frank went on to accept roles in other “Power Rangers” shows and movies, such as that of a Red Zeo Ranger in “Power Rangers Zeo” and the very first Red Turbo Ranger in “Power Rangers Turbo”, although he left him. mid-season project. Other franchise highlights include appearances in “Power Rangers Wild Force”, “Power Rangers: DinoThunder”, and “Power Rangers Ninja Steel”.
Born September 4 in Covina, California, Frank’s legacy lives on in the World Karate Union Hall of Fame and the Black Belt Hall of Fame. Frank’s acrobatic abilities weren’t due to movie magic; the acclaimed actor was also an eighth-degree black belt in karate and had experience in various other styles of martial arts, including taekwondo, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and muay thai. He started learning karate at age four and received his first black belt at age 12.
In 1994, Frank began to open martial arts schools. In these dojos, Frank taught a new, self-created fighting system called Toso Kune Do, which translates to “Way of the Fighting Fist” and incorporates many different martial arts styles.
When “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” ended, Frank met Kyoshi Rick Herbster, who became his longtime business partner. Together they began running Rising Sun Karate Academy, where Frank remained an educator for the rest of his life.
Frank made his mixed martial arts ring debut in 2010 at the US Amateur Combat Association’s first-ever “Lonestar Beatdown” in Houston, Texas, where he defeated MMA fighter Jonathon “the Mack Truck” Mack. in the first round. He began receiving MMA training from UFC lightweight Melvin Guillard a year before the fight.
More recently, Frank was set to star in an upcoming film by director Aaron Schoenke. Titled “Legend of the White Dragon”, the film would follow Frank as the eponymous warrior.
Frank is survived by his two sons, Hunter and Jacob, and his two daughters, Skye and Jenna.